In celebration of the formation of their new nonprofit, the Early Childhood Network will hold a community party to mark the launch of the new organization at the Bears Loft Restaurant (1826 Grand Avenue) in Glenwood Springs on January 27, from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

“This event is an opportunity for parents, childcare providers and the community to meet our staff, our board of directors, and to find out more about the organization,” said Jonathan Godes, director for the Early Childhood Network.

The Early Childhood Network provides childcare resources and referrals in Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin counties, as well as quality improvement assessment and coaching focused primarily in Garfield County. These services began as an initiative by the City of Aspen – Kids First and the Aspen Community Foundation, with staffing support from Kids First and financial support from the Community Foundation.

“The Community Foundation and Kids First worked to jump-start the Early Childhood Network to provide a greater level of childcare services in Eagle and Garfield counties. We are thrilled with the success over the past years and natural process of having an independent agency in Glenwood Springs serving families and childcare programs in Garfield and surrounding counties,” said Shirley Ritter, director of Kids First. “We will continue to work closely in order to benefit young children and their families in our region.”

“While we have been operating for the last seven years as part of Kids First, we are excited to share who we are with the communities we serve and to help people understand how truly valuable quality early childhood education can be to a child’s long term success,” Godes said.

For more information on the Early Childhood Network, call Jonathan Godes at 970-928-7111.